Labubu Big Into Energy Cards: Why Pop Mart Fans Are Flipping Over This Crossover

You’ve probably seen the long lines snaking around malls in Southeast Asia and China. People aren’t waiting for the latest iPhone. They’re hunting for a mischievous, serrated-tooth monster named Labubu. But lately, the obsession has shifted. It's not just about the vinyl plush anymore. The community is going Labubu Big Into Energy Cards, and if you aren’t deep in the trading card game (TCG) or designer toy scene, the whole thing probably looks like colorful chaos.

Honestly, it’s a weird collision of worlds. You have Pop Mart—the undisputed king of blind boxes—teaming up with the competitive, high-stakes energy of card collecting. It’s a match made in heaven for collectors and a nightmare for bank accounts.

What the Heck Are Labubu Energy Cards?

Let's clear the air. When people talk about Labubu getting big into energy cards, they are usually referring to the Pop Mart x Labubu collectible card series. These aren't just pieces of cardboard; they are "Energy Cards" in the sense that they utilize holographic foil, high-density printing, and rare "chase" mechanics that mirror the excitement of Pokémon or Magic: The Gathering.

Labubu is the star of "The Monsters" collection, created by artist Kasing Lung. While Labubu started as a series of storybooks and later became a toy sensation, the transition to cards was inevitable. Why? Because cards are easier to store than 400% figurines, and the "pull" factor—the adrenaline of ripping a pack—is addictive.

In these sets, you’ll find different tiers. You've got your basics, but then you hit the "Super Rare" (SR) and "Ultra Rare" (UR) cards. Some of these feature Labubu in various "Energy" states—glowing, metallic, or dressed in thematic gear that looks like it belongs in a high-fantasy RPG. The "Big" aspect refers to the oversized promo cards or the sheer volume of "Big" hits people are finding in the latest boxes.

Why the Hype Is Actually Real

It’s easy to dismiss this as a fad. Don't.

The secondary market for Labubu is massive. If you look at platforms like Xianyu in China or Carousell in Singapore, certain rare Labubu cards are fetching prices that would make a Charizard blush. This isn't just about kids playing in a sandbox; this is a legitimate alternative asset class for some.

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Varying your collection is key. Most collectors started with the "Fall in Wild" plush—the one Lisa from Blackpink famously posted on her Instagram. That single social media post sent the Labubu market into a literal frenzy. Prices for the plushies tripled overnight. But once you have the plush, what’s next? You go for the cards. They’re more portable. You can trade them at meetups. You can grade them with PSA or BGS, just like sports cards.

The Scarcity Factor and the "Big" Pulls

Pop Mart is brilliant at psychological marketing. They know exactly how to make you want something you didn't know existed ten minutes ago.

When you buy a box of Labubu Energy Cards, you aren't guaranteed the "Big" hits. The odds are often stacked. For example, a "Secret" card might appear once in every 36 or 72 packs. This creates a "whale" culture where high-spenders buy entire cases (inner cartons) just to find one specific holographic Labubu.

What to Look For in a Pack

• Texture: The high-end cards have "DNA" etching or fingerprint-like textures that are hard to counterfeit.
• Serial Numbers: Some "Big" energy cards are limited to a specific print run (e.g., 001/500). If you find a low serial number, you’ve essentially hit the jackpot.
• The "Big" Variant: These are often larger-format cards that come as box toppers or special event exclusives. They are notoriously hard to keep in "Gem Mint" condition because of their size.

Acknowledge the Risks: It’s Not All Sparkles

Let's be real for a second. The market is volatile.

Just because Labubu is the "it" toy of 2024, 2025, and now 2026, doesn't mean these cards will hold value forever. We’ve seen this with Beanie Babies. We’ve seen it with certain NFT projects. The "Energy" here is driven by social media trends. If the influencers move on to the next Pop Mart character—maybe Skullpanda or Dimoo—the Labubu card market could cool down significantly.

Also, counterfeits are everywhere. Because these cards are "Big" business, factories in various regions are pumping out fakes that look 90% identical to the real thing. If the deal looks too good to be true, it’s probably a fake. Always check the foil pattern. Authentic Pop Mart cards have a specific "shimmer" that moves in a certain direction when tilted under a desk lamp.

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How to Get Started Without Getting Burned

If you’re looking to get Labubu Big Into Energy Cards, don't just start lighting money on fire.

First, join the communities. Facebook groups and Discord servers are where the real price discovery happens. Don't trust the "Buy It Now" prices on eBay; look at "Sold" listings. That's the only way to know what people are actually paying.

Second, understand the "series." Pop Mart releases these in waves. Wave 1 might be "The Monsters Forest Timer," while Wave 2 focuses on a different theme. The "Energy" cards usually span across these series, but the specific "Big" cards are often tied to anniversary events or flagship store openings in cities like Bangkok or Shanghai.

The Cultural Impact of the "Monster"

Labubu isn't just a toy. It's a reflection of "Kidult" culture. Adults with disposable income are reclaiming their childhood through these collectibles.

Kasing Lung’s designs are inspired by Nordic fairytales, but the "Energy" cards give them a modern, tech-focused edge. It’s this blend of old-world folklore and new-world "hypebeast" aesthetic that makes it work. You aren't just buying a card; you're buying a piece of a global art movement that bridges the gap between East and West.

Actionable Steps for New Collectors

Ready to dive in? Here is how you handle the Labubu card craze intelligently.

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1. Verify Before You Buy
Check for the Pop Mart holographic sticker on the box. If you’re buying individual cards (singles), ask for a video of the card under a bright light. You want to see the "refraction." Fake cards often have a "flat" rainbow look, whereas real Energy cards have depth and layered holographic elements.

2. Focus on "The Big Three"
If you want value retention, stick to the most iconic Labubu iterations. The "Classic" green Labubu, the "Zimomo" variants (the one with the tail), and any card featuring the "Fall in Wild" aesthetic tend to be the safest bets.

3. Proper Storage is Non-Negotiable
These cards are sensitive to humidity. Because of the foil layers used in the "Energy" series, they can "curl" (often called "palling") if left in the open air. Get yourself some "Penny Sleeves" and "Toploaders." For the "Big" cards, you’ll need specific 5x7 or 6x8 protectors.

4. Follow the Artist, Not Just the Brand
Keep an eye on Kasing Lung’s official social media. Often, he will tease a new "Energy" set months before Pop Mart announces it. Being early is the only way to get these at retail price ($10–$15 per pack) instead of resale prices ($40+ per pack).

5. Set a Budget
It is incredibly easy to get caught up in "Rip Wars" or live-streamed pack openings on TikTok. The "Energy" in these cards is infectious. Set a hard limit. The odds of pulling a "Secret" are low, and it's almost always cheaper to buy the specific card you want as a single rather than chasing it through boxes.

The Labubu phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down. As long as there is a community of people who find joy in these jagged-toothed monsters, the "Energy Cards" will remain a cornerstone of the hobby. Just remember to collect what you actually like. If the market crashes tomorrow, you should still be happy looking at that shiny Labubu on your shelf.

Quick Reference for Labubu Card Tiers

The world of Labubu is deep. It’s expensive. It’s colorful. And for those who get the "Energy" right, it's a hell of a lot of fun.